Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson acknowledged a significant reduction in violent crime in the city during a recent television appearance, conceding that homicides, shootings, and shooting victims are all down by approximately 30 percent, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

The remarks came amid ongoing debate over the impact of federal law enforcement actions in major U.S. cities, including Chicago.

Johnson appeared on MSNow’s “The Weekend,” where he was asked directly about claims that federal involvement had contributed to improved public safety outcomes.

The host asked, “That has been replicated in other big cities. Is the President right to say that it was his actions in Chicago, bringing federal agents to Chicago, that made Chicago safer?”

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Johnson rejected that assertion, responding, “He is not. I mean, this President continues to exacerbate instability across our country. In fact, where ICE and federal agents were present, we actually saw an increase in violence. In other words, the tension and the chaos that federal agents bring to cities in America, it actually is counterproductive.”

Despite disputing the cause, Johnson confirmed the reduction in crime figures.

“So yes, we saw a 30% reduction in homicides, shootings, shooting victims all down. In fact, the city of Chicago doubled the amount of the national average in terms of violence reduction."

Johnson credited changes implemented by his administration at the local level, particularly within law enforcement.

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“Because in my role as mayor, it’s about showing up for working people. We’ve revamped the Detective’s Bureau to bring closure and accountability in the city of Chicago, 71% clearance rate. We’re solving crime,” Johnson stated.

The mayor went on to cite broader social initiatives as contributing factors to the decline in violence.

“We’re building more affordable homes. I’ve reopened mental health clinics, expanded mental health care, investing in our young people. Over 31,000 young people had summer jobs because we know that policing alone is not going to save,” Johnson said.

The discussion follows comments made by President Trump in recent weeks regarding crime trends in major cities.

In a conversation with Dan Bongino, President Trump said that crime overall in Chicago is down by approximately 25 percent and argued that federal intervention played a key role in stabilizing conditions in cities governed by Democratic leadership.

President Trump discusses how much easier it is to work with red states vs. blue states: In Memphis, crime is down 75% after about 2.5 months... Now, in Chicago, we put people there, and we brought it down but we only have a limited force because they fight us so hard... and yet,… pic.twitter.com/aTSLAwwgFD

— Major Anthony Jones (@majorbrainpain) February 3, 2026

In December, President Trump announced that the National Guard would be withdrawn from several large cities, including Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland, citing improved public safety conditions.

At the time, he issued a statement explaining the decision and warning that federal forces could return if crime rates rise again.

“We are removing the National Guard from Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland, despite the fact that CRIME has been greatly reduced by having these great Patriots in those cities, and ONLY by that fact. Portland, Los Angeles, and Chicago were GONE if it weren’t for the Federal Government stepping in,” Trump said.

He added, “We will come back, perhaps in a much different and stronger form, when crime begins to soar again – Only a question of time! It is hard to believe that these Democrat Mayors and Governors, all of whom are greatly incompetent, would want us to leave, especially considering the great progress that has been made??? President DJT”

The exchange has renewed attention on crime statistics in Chicago and the ongoing disagreement between city leadership and the federal government over the role of national law enforcement resources in addressing violent crime.

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